Early to Rise Challenge: Find the Artist in You

Welcome to the Early to Rise Challenge! Throughout the month of March, I’m challenging myself and my readers to make the most of their mornings. So every week day morning at 9 a.m. EST, I’m posting a short Early to Rise post. I’ll share a few of my thoughts on the day’s passage from Early to Rise, tell you what time I got up that morning, and encourage you to leave a comment to tell us what time you got up and how you’re doing on the challenge.

Find the Artist in You

Okay, so I have to be completely honest here: I’m not sure of the correlation between rising early and creating and “shipping” something that Andy makes in the Day 8 reading from the Early to Rise book. And I would have loved for him to unpack that a little more in what he wrote.

But regardless, I’m a big fan of creating art and shipping things. That is, I think everyone should be creating in some form or fashion. But our creations shouldn’t be kept behind closed doors; we need to “ship it” by sharing our art with the world.

And just about now, you might be thinking, “But I’m not an artist!” Well, if you’re talking about the paints and canvas sort of artist, than neither am I.

However, all of us have art in us: whether it’s decorating rooms, baking cakes, brainstorming marketing ideas, writing, speaking, singing, photographing… we all are artists in one form or another. And for us to keep those gifts hidden not only stifles our creativity, but it hinders us from many opportunities to bless others.

Yes, it’s work to make art and put it out there. You’re going to probably experience set backs and criticism along the way. But if you just keep doing it, I promise that you’ll find so much fulfillment in the process!

What kind of artist are you? I want you to dig down deep — if need be — and comment and tell us where your art gift lies. You have one. And if you don’t think you do, I want you to text or call some people close to you today and ask them to help you figure out what kind of artist you are.

Secondly, I want you to tell me one small thing you are going to do to make art in the next two weeks. It can be as simple as saying you are going to photograph something or someone and frame it. Or you’re going to sing for some small event. Or you’re going to write and submit an article on a certain subject to a certain publication. Or you’re going to make a throw pillow for your living room.

Don’t keep your gifts hidden! Bless the world with them — and you’ll be blessed and inspired in return!

In case you wonder what “art project” I’ve got up my sleeve: I’m working on creating five well-structured and inspiring presentations that I’ll be giving at two different conferences over the next two weeks. As I’m learning from much more experienced speakers, writing a presentation and delivering it is a craft. Viewing it as such has totally changed my perspective on public speaking — and fired me up with new passion to work on polishing and honing that craft!

What Time Did You Get Up This Morning?

Me? I got up at 6:19 a.m. this morning — without an alarm clock!

What time did you get up? Leave a comment and let us know!

Join in the Chatter!

Want to blog about this challenge? If you’re blogging through this challenge with me, be sure to leave your link to your direct post for today below. Plus, if you’d like to post your daily posts to the Early to Rise Group Board on my Pinterest page, just shoot me an email (moneysavingmom @ gmail dot com) and I’ll invite you.

Want to follow along on Twitter or Instagram? Each week day morning on my Facebook Page, my Twitter account, and my Instagram account, I’ll be posting a picture of my alarm clock as public accountability. I’d love to have you do the same or join in the discussion on Twitter and Instagram. Just follow hashtag #EarlytoRise to see what others are tweeting and Instagramming about this challenge!

Comments

Not sure if my alarm turned off or maybe I slept through it…but woke up to my back up alarm at 6:30 :-/.
I love to sew, crochet….anything ‘crafty’ really! Next weekend I have a spring craft show that I have to prep for so lots to do this week! And also a few pregnant friends to make stuff for

I got up at 6 am per normal with the much needed alarm as a debate with my husband over the current affairs of the country took me to about midnight before chores!

I can’t say I’ve found that I can create anything I’d ever let leave my home. I’ll share on my blog or Facebook but nothing I’d ‘ship’. Still trying though running out of options lol I’ve tried everything from writing, speaking, modeling, acting to pottery, beading, sewing, crocheting, knitting, scrap booking, cooking, etc. none of which am I any good at. I’ll find something I can have personal pride in one of these days. At least I haven’t given up right?

Creating something comes easy to me. I love to be crafty. I love to write. Finding time to do these things is usually my issue since I work outside the home and have 3 kids & a husband. So the idea of using my early morning time to do some of this intrigues me. I plan on using my time to write more and post on my blog, which I’m trying to be more consistant and intentional about.

My art gift is in sewing. I love designing new items, and am currently working on adding sleeves for tablets and eReaders to my Etsy shop! I love how they are turning out…being an artist is a great job!! =)

I forgot to check in on Friday but I wanted to make sure I still sent in my time – 6:45. About 15 minutes later than what I had planned, but I was terrible about going to bed early enough last week.
I agree with you Crystal – I wasn’t sure what the correlation was between early rising and individual art – but I guess it is something we can be working on in our early morning alone time. I love organizing and planning events – and my little 6 -year old cousin has been waiting on a heart and lung transplant. I have put together one fundraising event, and assisted with another, so it is time for another! So that is my art I plan on “shipping” in the next few weeks!